Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Hawthorne

Food spots

You want to find food that isn't on everyone else's radar but still delivers on the plate.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
CAFE NHO & SOUTH BAY RESTAURANT image 1
CAFE NHO & SOUTH BAY RESTAURANT image 2
CAFE NHO & SOUTH BAY RESTAURANT image 3
View all

Small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a rustic feel and authentic Vietnamese music playing softly. Cozy and family-friendly atmosphere where locals gather for traditional dishes like pho and banh mi. Quiet during off-peak hours, with a welcoming vibe and unbeatable prices.

Old school authentic Vietnamese food shines here with a sweet, flavorful pho broth and fresh, piping hot egg rolls. The menu stays true to traditional tastes favored by the local Vietnamese community.

Consistently delicious pho and bun Bo hue come at a great price. This spot stands out as a true hidden gem for flavorful Vietnamese dishes.

People are saying

"I found the pho and banh mi to be delicious and authentic."

"The food here is delicious, especially the flavorful pho broth."

"You'll find delicious, authentic Vietnamese food here, a true hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building, making it easy to find.

2

Prices are reasonable, with iced coffee for $5 and banh mi for $7.

3

The restaurant opens at 7am, perfect for early coffee customers.

02
Thai Lai Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, cozy space with a homey atmosphere and warm, welcoming staff. Busy during lunch hours, it draws people looking for authentic Vietnamese comfort food at budget-friendly prices. Parking is available but limited, and the place operates on cash only.

Offers authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, mรฌ Quแบฃng, and various bรบn soups. Food delivers a comfort food feel with consistently delicious and real Vietnamese taste.

Authentic cuisine and great prices stand out here, creating a heartfelt experience that feels like a true find.

People are saying

"I found the pho here to be absolutely delicious."

"The food here is always tasty and delicious."

"I trusted the reviewer's opinion on the Beef Bhan Mi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash, so bring cash with you.

2

Parking on the street might be easier than using the small parking lot.

3

The restaurant is busy during lunch hours, expect wait times.

03
Mariscos Guillen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy hole-in-the-wall with authentic mariscos vibe and mom & pop atmosphere. Quiet setting with only TV noise, ideal for enjoying fresh seafood and street-style tacos without loud distractions. Family-owned spot known for crispy fish tacos and solid menu variety including ceviche and beer.

Authentic Mexican dishes feature prominently with fresh ingredients and amazing flavors. The food offers a comforting, home-style vibe that feels uplifting.

Offers real Mexican seafood and street-style tacos that stand out from typical spots. This place feels like a true hidden gem for authentic flavors.

People are saying

"I found authentic Mexican seafood with a great mariscos vibe."

"The food here tasted so fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try these fish tacos; they're crispy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp tacos and ceviche.

2

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead for pick-up is convenient.

3

There are plenty of tables available for dining in during weekdays.

04
Far Field Beer Company image 1

Brewery offers open, bright space with indoor, outdoor, and lofted seating. Atmosphere feels chill and airy, with a vibe that stands out from typical pubs. Features include retro arcade games, outdoor corn hole, and an on-site food truck, creating a casual, social environment.

Rotating food trucks offer a variety of options like Mexican and BBQ that pair well with craft beer. Every vendor delivers solid food to go with the drinks and games.

Offers a quiet atmosphere and unique craft beers that stand out from typical breweries. Serves as a pleasant surprise for those exploring local beer scenes.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer here."

"The beer selection here is awesome, with a great variety."

"I found this place to be a nice hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, with a small lot that fits about six cars.

2

Free parking is available in the median on Hawthorne Blvd.

3

They occasionally host markets with local vendors and special events.

05
Zam Zam Foods image 1
Pakistani restaurant

Renovated space offers authentic Pakistani delicacies with a homey atmosphere and halal-certified meats. Seating is limited, encouraging a steady flow of takeout orders. A prayer room with ablution facilities is available within the building.

Offers excellent Indian and Pakistani dishes with standout items like beef seekh kebab. Food quality is consistently amazing and unique in flavor.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem in the neighborhood with a vibe that feels tucked away yet welcoming. It offers a unique experience that surprises many in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and yummy."

"The Chicken Biryani here is fantastic and delicious."

"I found this place to be a real hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Zam Zam Foods is a halal restaurant offering authentic Pakistani cuisine.

2

The current price of Biryani is over $14 plus tax and tip.

3

The portion of biryani is enough for two people.

06
Azucanela Churros & Coffee - Hawthorne image 1

Cozy coffee shop with a gorgeous backyard patio featuring beautiful murals and plenty of seating. Relaxed atmosphere with board games in English and Spanish, heaters, and unique seating like avocado-shaped chairs. The space invites casual hangouts and quiet moments with friends.

Food comes out hot and fresh, with the churro relleno standing out as a heavy, freshly made treat. The menu includes seasonal items like cafechata and a bacon avocado breakfast sandwich, alongside a broad coffee and tea selection.

A small spot with great churros and coffee tucked away in the city center. It stands out as a hidden gem worth checking out.

People are saying

"The churros here are fresh, crispy, and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"I found this place to be an awesome hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, especially due to proximity to small shops.

2

Street parking is available, but can be difficult to find.

3

They have a late-night happy hour during the week.

07
Top wok Mongolian BBQ & Chinese food image 1

Small restaurant offers a calming, cozy atmosphere with quiet energy and occasional delivery pickups. Food focuses more on Chinese cuisine with pay-by-weight Mongolian BBQ options, featuring a well-maintained grill. Tables show signs of wear, but music plays softly, creating a relaxed setting.

Food here is extremely fresh and generous in portion size, often enough for multiple meals. Options include Chinese dishes, Mongolian BBQ, and dim sum, with shrimp fried rice consistently rated highly for takeout.

Offers Mongolian BBQ and Chinese food that stand out quietly in the area. Recognized as a hidden gem for its unique flavors and local appeal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mongolian BBQ was pretty great and delicious."

"The food here tasted fresh and flavorful."

"These hidden gems taste so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a pay-by-weight system, charging $7.99 per pound.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for three items, which is considered good value.

3

You must get your own drinks from the cooler.

08
Midici Wood Fired Pizza & Kitchen image 1

Pizza restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a fire pit on the patio creating a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere feels casual with TVs for sports and a mix of dine-in and takeout energy. Patio space stands out as a social spot especially when the fire feature is lit.

Food comes out hot and fresh with fresh ingredients that capture an Italian pizza style. The dishes consistently taste delicious and excellent.

Offers good lunch options that stand out quietly. Serves wood fired pizza with a vibe that feels like a hidden gem.

People are saying

"The wood-fired pizza here is delicious and perfectly prepared."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"You'll find hidden gems like delicious pizzas with perfectly cooked crusts."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

The wings cost around $25 for 8 pieces, which is considered expensive.

Discover more

Hawthorne, California

Area guide
Loading Map...